WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Committee today approved legislation (S. 1938), sponsored by Commerce
Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey
Hutchison (R-Texas), to offer incentive grants to states that enact laws to
combat distracted driving. Hutchison noted that the bill would impose no
new mandates and would be funded through existing programs, spending no
additional taxpayer dollars.
“All would agree that driving while distracted poses serious
safety risks not only to the drivers, but to passengers, pedestrians, and
anyone sharing the road,” said Senator Hutchison. “Unfortunately,
studies have shown that while people are aware of the safety risks associated
with using cell phones and texting devices while driving, they still engage in
this behavior. A number of states are already addressing this problem and have
enacted laws to regulate motorists’ use of cell phones and text
messaging. I think it is most appropriate for the states to handle
this issue and devise laws that best meet their particular needs. Our legislation does not threaten states with
lost highway funds if they elect not to enact a distracted driving law.”
In Texas, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited by law
from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor
vehicle. Texas also prohibits the use of a wireless communication device
within a school crossing zone, with an exception for the use of a hands free
device. Additionally, Texas prohibits school bus drivers from
using cell phones or text messaging while driving a bus with passengers younger
than 18. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
reports that, in 2008, almost 6,000 people died from crashes that
resulted from distracted driving. This accounted for 16 percent of all
traffic fatalities that year. In addition, 515,000 individuals were injured
(22 percent of total injuries) in crashes involving distracted driving
According to a recent study by the cell phone industry association, text
messages sent nationwide last year increased to over 3 million per
minute. The bill is
cosponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), John Thune (R-S.D.), David Vitter
(R-La.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.),
and Robert Casey (D-Penn.).
# # #